Senators Introduce Resolution on the U.S. Mission in Libya

Press Release

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), John Kerry (D-MA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Carl Levin (D-MI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) today introduced a resolution in support of the U.S. mission and policy in Libya.

"The international military intervention in Libya saved countless of civilians in Benghazi from imminent slaughter, and I commend the men and women of America's armed forces for the critical role that they are playing in this effort," said Senator McCain. "I support President Obama's decision to commit U.S. forces to the mission in Libya, and I hope this resolution will elicit a broad statement of bipartisan support among my Senate colleagues for our use of force in Libya. Congress has a vital role to play in the current debate about the ends and means of U.S. policy in Libya at this critical moment, and I hope this resolution will provide an opportunity to expand that debate."

"The country is on the strongest footing when the President and Congress speak with one voice on foreign policy matters," said Chairman Kerry. "I'm pleased to have worked on this resolution with a strong bipartisan coalition and I welcome debate and congressional action on this important issue."

"This resolution will put the Senate on record in support of our efforts to help the Libyan people liberate themselves from a terrible dictator," said Senator Lieberman. "At a moment when Qaddafi continues to wage war against civilians and our military's contributions remain as critical as ever, this will send a strong and important message that Congress and the White House stand united."

"This resolution appropriately expresses support for the aspirations of the Libyan people; for the President's wise decision to limit the use of U.S. military force in Libya as part of the NATO mission; for the broader political goal, through non-military means, of achieving a peaceful transition of power to an inclusive government; and calls for regular consultation by the President with Congress," said Senator Levin.

"While I disagree with certain aspects of our current strategy, I support NATO's operations against the Qaddafi regime," said Senator Graham. "Our resolution supports the efforts of the President to militarily support NATO operations in Libya."

"This resolution provides the support of the Senate to allow the U.S. and NATO operations to continue that have and will continue to put pressure on the Qaddafi regime," said Senator Feinstein.

"This is an important confirmation of both our commitment to providing support to the NATO mission in Libya and our support for the Libyan people's desire for political reform," said Senator Chambliss. "By affirming that the goal of U.S. policy in Libya is to remove Muammar Qaddafi and his family from power, it sends an important, united message."